LA Writers & Other Creative People, join us for coffee and conversation on Wednesday, December 3, 1 – 3pm, at Peet’s Coffee. [Read more…]
LA Hangout – 10/15/14
September 18, 2014 By
LA Writers & Other Creative People, join us for coffee and conversation on Wednesday, October 15. Looks like we’ll be at Peet’s Coffee, 1854 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles 90025. There’s an outdoor eating area in the strip mall, so check there for us first!
Debra Eckerling on Silicon Beach Strategy
June 30, 2014 By
Earlier this month, Jude Belanger, Silicon Beach Strategy, interviewed me about the importance of your online presence and things you can do to tap into writing your expertise. Check it out!
Goal of the Week #45: Write Your End-of-the-Year Bio
January 13, 2014 By
This Week’s Goal: Write your end-of-the-year bio. We’ll be talking about annual goals a lot this month. It is, after all, January, and what you do this month could set you up for year-long success.
This week, write the bio you want to have by the end of 2014. You can include previous awards, jobs, and accomplishments, of course. But be sure to add in what you plan to achieve this year, including career benchmarks, company or product launches, and/or press, awards, and book releases. One more thing, write this bio in the present tense. It’s important to “tell the universe” what you want as if you already have it. The power of positive thinking – and doing – works!
Share a few lines from your end of 2014 bio in the comments.
Goal of the Week #44: Choose Your 2014 Theme
January 6, 2014 By
This week’s goal: Choose your theme for 2014.
At the beginning of every year there are certain to dos: list your personal and business goals/make your resolutions: get a better job, launch a business, workout regularly, meet your soul mate, the list goes on and on. While it’s important to know what you want if you want to achieve it, it’s also essential – as you jump into this new year – to know what kind of year you would like to have. Did you just get out of a bad job/difficult relationship? Is it a rebuilding year? Is this your growth year? What is your mission statement for 2014? What is your “power word,” slogan, or – with regards to Ally McBeal – theme song?
You will encounter ups and downs throughout this year’s journey. Choose a word, slogan, or song that represents your theme to keep your spirits up and your eye on the prize … and have a successful 2014.
What is your power word for 2014?
January 2014 Goals
January 1, 2014 By
Happy New Year, everyone! The best thing about a brand new year is the fresh start that comes with it. This week, take a few minutes – if you haven’t already done so – and think about your goals for the year.
These should be big-picture goals that you will focus on throughout the year. Do you want to write a book this year? Start a blog? Start a business? Create an app? Grow your business?
Make sure you come up with a few personal goals as well: network regularly (once or twice a month), lose a certain amount of weight (exercise more, eat healthier foods), move, get a new roommate, really anything that will improve your personal life which will in turn help you move forward in your professional life.
Whatever you decide, write down your goals and look at them on a regular basis. Reviewing your goals consistently will help you to stay focused and keep your eye on the prize!
What are your goals for 2014? What are your goals for January? Feel free to share them in the comments. Best of luck for a successful 2014!
Goal of the Week #43: Reach a Goal
December 23, 2013 By
This week’s goal: reach a goal! Did you set a goal for 2013? Did you set a bunch of goals? Great. How many of them did you accomplish? If your answer is one or more, good for you! If you have yet to complete a goal for 2013, there is still time. I know it’s busy, being the holiday season and all, but take some time this week – and next – to complete one of your 2013 goals. Even if you did not accomplish all you set out to do this year, pick one attainable item, and get it done. You’ll feel good about yourself … and will be ready to zoom into 2014.
Which goal will you complete this week?
Goal of the Week #41: Perform a Random Act of Kindness
December 9, 2013 By
Goal of the Week: Perform a random act of kindness. The holidays can be full of food, fun, and activity. They can also be very stressful. This week, do something nice for a stranger. Hold open the door, buy coffee for the person behind you in line, carry spare treats – candy canes, small toys, etc. – and give them out to people who need a lift. It’s amazing how much that will lift your spirits too!
Share your random acts of kindness in the comments.
November 2013 Goals
November 1, 2013 By
The countdown begins. Only two months left til the end of the year. You can panic, scrap all of your unaccomplished goals for 2013, and take the rest of the year off. Or – and this is my recommendation – take a breath and see what you can still accomplish this year. December will have it’s own challenges and end of the year deadlines. So, just focus on November. Name one, two, or three things you can realistically get done this month. Do you want to launch that long-overdue blog, make a business plan, or even just clean out your office? Do you want to make good on your goal to network more and attend a few events this month? Perhaps it’s time to start the workout regimen you promised you would do last January. Just pick something, do it, and then pick something else. It’s that simple.
What is your goal – or are your goals – for November?
Goal of the Week #33: Blog
October 7, 2013 By
This week’s goal: Blog. When was the last time you updated your blog or website? When was the last time you even looked at it? Do you even have a blog? If you don’t, think about starting one – it’s an excellent way to show your expertise. If you do not have a blog, or even if you do, look into guest posting for a friend’s blog, a relevant site in your industry,or both.
These articles don’t have to be long – 300 to 500 words is a good range. However, they should be conversational and user-friendly, unless it’s a high-powered trade website. Whether it’s for your own blog or another site, sharing pieces of your knowledge on a regular basis – news, interviews, trivia, tasks – is an important way you can stay ahead of the pack in your industry.
So, go ahead and write a blog post this week. You know you want to. And if you don’t, well, do it anyway.
What will you write about this week?
